❄️ JanBoree 2026: Celebrate Winter in Waukesha, WI

Winter in Southeast Wisconsin isn’t something we endure — it’s something we celebrate. When the days are short and the temperatures drop, JanBoree brings the spark back with outdoor festivals, glowing trails, creative workshops, and community traditions that make the coldest months feel bright.

Whether you’re planning family outings, weekend adventures, or cozy winter fun, here’s a guide to weekend events for this year’s Janboree festivities.

⭐ Opening Weekend - January 16–17, 2026

Lowell Park Events

2201 Michigan Ave.

Lowell Park is the center of Opening Weekend, packed with family activities, live entertainment, and nighttime celebrations.

Friday, January 16

• JanBoree Blast OFF! (5:00–9:00 pm) Kick off the festival with space-themed games, DJ music, ice skating, sledding, a bonfire, concessions, and free light-up bracelets.

• Ice and Snow Ready for Launch — Sculpting Demo (5:00–7:30 pm) Watch professional sculptors carve massive blocks of ice and snow into an impressive themed display.

• Black Hole Beer Garden (5:00–9:00 pm) A heated tent with music, games, and Raised Grain Brewing Co. beer (21+).

• Out of This World Fireworks (8:00 pm): A cosmic-themed fireworks show lighting up the winter sky.

Saturday, January 17

• Black Hole Beer Garden (4:00–9:00 pm)

• It’s a Rockin’ Universe Trivia (5:30, 6:30, 8:00 pm) Space-themed trivia with prizes.

• Laser Beam Light Show (6:00, 7:00, 8:00 pm): Three glowing, music-synced laser shows.

Downtown Waukesha

Saturday, January 17

• JanBoree Food Tour (2:00–5:00 pm) A guided tasting tour featuring local restaurants and specialty bites.

Retzer Nature Center

S14W28167 Madison St.

Saturday, January 17

• Winter Wildlife Exploration (11:00 am–2:00 pm) A self-guided hike with a scavenger hunt and optional snowshoes.

• Aurora: Lights of Wonder (11:00 am–2:00 pm) A planetarium show featuring real northern lights footage.

Family and Kids’ Activities - Various Locations

Saturday, January 17

• 22nd Annual Geocaching Event — Rotary Building (9:00 am–Noon)

• Make and Play Workshop — White Rock Campus (9:30–11:00 am)

• Mission: Adoption — HAWS (11:00 am–3:00 pm)

• Indoor Ice Skating — Naga-Waukee Park Ice Arena (2:00–3:30 pm)

⭐ Friday Events - January 23, 2026

Frame Park

Meet at Rotary Building — 1150 Baxter St.

• Galaxy Glow Walk (5:30–7:00 pm) A glowing 1.7-mile walk with themed stations, glow items, and free hot chocolate and cookies. Registration is required.

Waukesha YMCA

320 E. Broadway Ave.

• Blast Off at the Y! (6:30–8:00 pm) Space-themed games, crafts, and family activities.

Eble Park Ice Arena - Brookfield

19400 W. Bluemound Road

• Glow Skate (6:30–8:00 pm) A neon-lit skate night with rental included. Registration is required.

⭐ Closing Weekend — January 24–25, 2026

Minooka Park

1927 E. Sunset Dr. — Free park admission for participants

Minooka Park hosts several outdoor favorites throughout Saturday.

• Ice Fishing Clinic (10:00 am–2:00 pm) Hands-on instruction with equipment and bait provided. Registration required.

• Alaskan Malamute Weight Pull (12:00–3:00 pm) Watch powerful dogs compete in an official weight-pull event.

• Candlelight Hike (4:00–8:00 pm) A peaceful, candlelit trail walk. Dogs welcome on 6-foot leashes.

Downtown Waukesha

• Ice Sculpting Competition (9:00 am–2:00 pm) Professional carvers create detailed sculptures throughout downtown.

• Beyond the Stars Bar Hop (5:00–8:00 pm) A guided bar hop with themed drinks, trivia, and snacks. 21+ Registration required.

Waukesha Public Library

321 Wisconsin Ave.

• Your Mars Vacation (10:00–11:00 am) A playful look at what a three-year Mars trip might include.

• JanBoree Art (1:00–3:00 pm) Create a space-inspired art project in Studio 321.

• Galaxy of Crafts (1:30–3:30 pm) Make galaxy slime, constellation art, and more.

Waukesha County Airport - Crites Field

2525 Aviation Dr.

• Aerospace and Aviation (10:00 am–2:00 pm) Explore aircraft, meet pilots, enjoy hands-on activities, and vote in the chili cookoff.

Waukesha County Historical Society and Museum

101 W. Main Street

• Make History (10:00 am–4:00 pm) Crafts, cocoa, and interactive exhibits.

Schuetze Recreation Center

1120 Baxter St.

• Frosty 5K Run and Walk (8:45–10:00 am) Timed race with early-bird perks and a free kids’ 1K. Registration required.

• CBS 58 Solar Force Weather Show (11:30 am–12:15 pm) A fun, educational weather science show with live demonstrations.

Cutler Park

321 Wisconsin Ave.

• Penguin Egg Hunt (12:30 pm and 12:45 pm) Candy-filled egg hunts for ages 6 and under.

⭐ Sunday, January 25, 2026

St. Luke’s Church

300 Carroll Street

• Out of This World Concert and Instrument Petting Zoo (1:00–3:00 pm) Kids can explore instruments at 1:00 pm, followed by a 2:00 pm concert featuring selections from The Planets with narration by NASA Ambassador Dr. Dennis Roscoe. Children free — Adults $10 at the door.

❄️ Closing Thoughts

Winter may be long and cold in Southeast Wisconsin, but JanBoree gives us something bright to look forward to before spring returns. These celebrations remind us why we love this community and the way we come together all season long.

At The Hupke Team, we’re grateful to be part of that story. In 2025, we helped 102 families move forward, reached $35 million in sales, and earned over 130 five-star Google reviews - a reflection of the trust our clients place in us.

As you explore Janboree and make new winter memories, know that we’re here celebrating right alongside you and ready to help whenever your next chapter begins.

Here’s to a season filled with warmth, adventure, and community.

All event information was accurate at the time of publication. We always recommend checking ahead for any updates.